WIGAN ATHLETIC ACHIEVE EFL FAMILY EXCELLENCE AWARD

A 'mystery family' described the Family Zone as a "brilliant buzz of activity and a really good provision before the game."

Club praised for their “extraordinary quality of family experience.”

Family Zone attracts over 100 young fans and their families each game.

Free fruit provided to all junior supporters upon entry to the Family Zone.

A successful end to the 2017/18 season has continued for Latics as the club have received the EFL Family Excellence Award for their “extraordinary quality of family experience” on a matchday at the DW Stadium.

In total, 56 clubs have achieved the status, which recognises continuous improvement in family engagement across the leagues and supports clubs’ efforts to attract and retain young future fans.

EFL clubs received two ‘mystery family’ visits throughout the season, with their feedback and reports determining whether each respective club would achieve ‘Family Excellence’ status.

Supporters are welcomed into the Family Zone, a facility described by a ‘mystery family’ as a “brilliant buzz of activity and a really good provision before the game”, underneath the East Stand free of charge at every home weekend fixture at the DW Stadium.

Attracting over 100 fans each game, activities in the Family Zone include air hockey, arts and crafts, basketball, dance, football inflatables, table tennis, table football, PlayStation area provided by GAME and much more, with snacks and drinks available to purchase while free fruit is provided to all junior supporters.

Jonty Castle, Head of Business Development and Customer Experience at Wigan Athletic, said: “As a club we’re committed to making the matchday experience enjoyable for all of our fans and feel we have significantly improved our activities at the DW Stadium this season.

“We’re delighted to have been recognised with this award and staff at the club, Community Trust and DW Stadium will continue to work hard together during the 2018/19 season to make a matchday the best possible experience for families.”

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see the continuous development and improvement made by EFL clubs in offering engaging matchday experiences for families.

“For over a decade the EFL’s Family Excellence Scheme has helped to produce positive and impactful change across the leagues, helping to drive a real focus on matchday entertainment, facilities and the overall experience on offer for families, and ultimately to assist in growing attendances.

“The EFL will continue to work with clubs to help drive change and support the continued effort to attract and retain future generations of supporters. Congratulations to the clubs that have achieved Family Excellence status and to those that have been awarded Gold status in its inaugural year.”

Please email community@wiganathletic.com or call 01942 318090 for more information about the Wigan Athletic Family Zone and the club’s matchday experience offering.